Principal's Message

Dear Parent and Carers,

As we move into winter, I would like to remind all students to continue wearing their school uniform with pride. We have a range of winter jacket options available and ask that students refrain from wearing hoodies to school. If you require support with uniform items, please reach out to the College, as there are many options available to assist. Thank you for your ongoing support in maintaining our high standards of presentation.

As always, there is plenty happening around the College, and it is great to see so many students getting involved in the wide range of opportunities on offer. Last week we held our Footy Colours Day and Big Freeze fundraiser where twelve staff members bravely participated in the ice bucket challenge to raise funds for the FightMND Big Freeze campaign. We were also grateful for the support of OMG Donuts, who donated $1 from every donut sold on the day. I even found myself reliving my customer service days as I helped take orders from students throughout the event!

Thanks to the generosity of our students, staff and families, the College raised an impressive $2,248 for this important cause. It has been incredibly touching to see not only our school community's support, but also the widespread backing for FightMND across the broader community over the long weekend.

Providing students with opportunities to explore future pathways remains an important focus at the College. Last week, a group of our Year 9 and 10 female students attended the Trade and Tech Expo in Melbourne. The event provided valuable insights into careers and pathways in trades and industries that have traditionally been male-dominated. Experiences such as these play an important role in challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers and encouraging young women to explore a diverse range of career opportunities based on their interests, skills and aspirations. We look forward to seeing how these experiences inspire our students as they consider their future pathways.

This focus on future planning has also been evident for our Year 9 students through the Morrisby interview program. Approximately 150 students have completed their interviews, with a strong number of parents and carers attending and engaging in the discussions alongside their students. The interviews have generated many positive and meaningful conversations while considering their interests and future pathways. We are currently awaiting feedback from students and look forward to hearing their reflections on this valuable experience.

This week, one hundred of our Year 9 students have braved the winter weather as part of the Broadening Horizons Melbourne Experience excursions to MetArt and the Royal Melbourne Zoo. It has been wonderful to see students engaging in a wide variety of activities, developing their independence and making the most of the opportunities available to them beyond the classroom. Next week's Broadening Horizons excursions will take them to the MCG and the Museum. We look forward to seeing highlights from these events in coming weeks.

In the senior school, mid-year exams concluded this week, and we are pleased to report that students have approached the examination period with maturity and dedication. Feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with students demonstrating excellent resilience and applying themselves well throughout the assessment period. Looking ahead, the General Achievement Test (GAT) will take place next Tuesday 16th June. All Year 12 students will spend the day at the Wallace Street campus to complete the test, while our VM students will return to their regular classes for the afternoon.

Thank you for your continued support of the College. I hope all families enjoyed the long weekend and the opportunities it provides to spend time together and recharge as we move towards the end of the term.

Sincerely,

Tony Roberts

Principal